SOUTHERN PROVINCE HUYE — Rwandans should change their mindset if they are to move forward and develop the country, Justice Minister Tharcissse Karugarama has said. Officiating at the international Labour Day celebrations at Huye Stadium on Thursday, Karugarama said that ones state of mind largely defines his/her fate in life. Karugarama said, “Wealth is a state of mind. To change your life destiny; you need to change your mentality, you have to develop the proper mindset.” Karugarama stressed the importance of work, saying “work is a vital engine in our national development hence the need to devise ways of ensuring that it is beneficial to all those involved and the country.” This year’s world Labour Day in Rwanda was marked under the theme, “Quality service for national development.” Celebrations at Huye stadium were characterised by a march by government and private employees, songs, dance and recitations. Fabien Ndayisaba the workers’ representative in the Province called for fair treatment of workers by employers.He decried the unfair treatment of workers by some private organisations who deny their employees some of their rights like the right to form workers associations. Ndayisaba called for the protection of particularly the rights of Huye district workers, saying they [workers] are often unfairly dismissed on recommendations of the district advisory council, against the provisions of the labour law and other laws protecting public workers. He urged employers to consider revising salaries paid to their workers to match the current economic situation characterised with the rising commodity prices. Speaking on the behalf of employers in the Province, François Rutayisire, the President of the Private Sector Federation in the Province, called for dialogue between employers and employees so as to reach a consensus on issues affecting them. He called for the setting up of a forum that would bring together workers, employers and local authorities. “The forum will help us discuss work- related issues more easily,” said Rutayisire. On his part Gov. Fidèle Ndayisaba, urged employers to guarantee the rights of their employees by allowing them freedom of association and electing their representatives. He castigated employers who are in the habit of not paying their workers for service rendered. He urged them to ensure that all employees receive medical insurance and are provided with safe working environment. Outstanding workers from government and private institutions were awarded certificates in recognition of their efforts in quality service provision. Celebrations in Huye were graced by among others; the commander of the RDF 4th division Brig. Gen. Mubarak Muganga, the regional Police Commander Chief Superintendent Faustin Ntirushwa, religious and local leaders in the Province. Ends
